ESU Theatre presents its 2011 winter production

November 18, 2011

Emporia State's winter production will be "Eurydice," a modern retelling of the classic ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

The myth is the source of the famous C.W. Gluck Opera “Orphée et Eurydice” and the Jacques Offenbach operetta “Orpheus in the Underworld.” In this version the myth is retold to us from Eurydice’s perspective.

Orpheus adored Eurydice but soon after they wed she died. Orpheus was so bereft that the gods took pity on him giving him the chance to rescue her from the Underworld — but only if he did so without glancing back at her. The play centers on Eurydice's choice to return to earth with Orpheus or to stay in Hades with her father, a character created by Ruhl.

Ruhl made several changes to the original myth's storyline. The most noticeable of these changes was that in the myth Orpheus succumbed to his desires and looked back at Eurydice. In this version Eurydice calls out to Orpheus who looks back, causing Eurydice to remain in the land of the dead with her father.

The show runs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre of King Hall at Emporia State University. To reserve seats, call the University Box Office at (620) 341-6378. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and $5 for students.

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